Domestic abuse, dating violence and intimate partner abuse are crimes. If you or a loved one is a victim, help is available. In the US, relationship violence hotlines are free, confidential and nonstop and give 24/7 sessions of support to survivors, friends and family members. They coordinate you to certified advocates who can provide emotional support, safety planning and direct you to the local shelters, legal, and counseling services.
So what is relationship violence?
Relationship violence, a pattern of behavior used to achieve power and control over a partner, is sometimes referred to as domestic violence, intimate partner violence (IPV) or dating abuse. It may affect anybody irrespective of gender, sexual orientation, age, or income level.
Typical abuses are:
- Physical abuse: hitting, choking, Restraining
- Emotional Abuse: insults, gaslighting , threats
- Sexual abuse: force, rape, fertility suppression
- Financial abuse: preventing money, job sabotage
- Digital abuse: GPS tracking, online bullying/harassment, phone spying
- Isolation: severing communication with friends/ family
Why go to a Relationship Violence Hotline?
Hotlines are life savers of survivors and their loved ones. They offer:
- Judgment-free listening right now
- Plans in place in case of crisis according to your case
- Access to domestic violence shelters and legal aid local Download
- Assistance to friends and family members concerned about a loved one
- Language access to bilingual and support of interpreters
- Confidentiality, such that it is not known by your abuser that you called in.
National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.)
📞1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
Text: START to 88788
Chat: thehotline.org
This national facility runs at all hours on each day of the year. They are free, confidential and provided in more than 200 languages. Technological experts do not harass you to leave your relationship, but rather on your safety and your decision.
The Goings-on on the Call
In case you feel that calling is an intimidating process, then here is what to expect:
- A skilled advocate provides and inquires whether you are safe to speak.
- How much you share is upon you- you can be anonymous.
- They just listen and they do not judge.
- There is an explanation of the options available- of the local resources and also legal help.
- There is a safety plan explained to eliminate imminent risk.
A Hotline or Safety Planning
The difference between life and death may be found in a customized safety plan. You can be assisted by the staff of the Hotlines:
- Find out where to check in during an emergency
- Carry a get-out-of-jail bag (ID, cash, phone, meds)
- Make up a signal word to signal trusted individuals
- Study secure technology habits, such as disabling location-gathering
- Learn the option of restraining order and protective order
Hotlines Survivors Only It is not just the survivors who call a hotline.
The friends, coworkers, neighbors, and family members may call as well. You can be assisted by the advocates:
- Learn red flags of abuse
- Make the survivor feel not to be pressurized by approaching them safely
- Come up with solutions to encourage them emotionally and otherwise
- Find, there are shelters and resources near by
U.S. Relationship Violence & Abuse Hotlines Other
- Respect is Love: targetage youth
- Call 1-866-331-9474 Text LOVEIS to 22522 loveisrespect.org
- StrongHearts Native Helpline Native American &Alaska Native communities
- Call 1-844-762-8483 | strongheartshelpline.org
- RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline Sexual abuse and assault
- The number to call: 1-800-656-4673 | rainn.org
Safety of Technology by using Hotlines
- Contact a phone or a computer where your abuser cannot track down
- Wipe browsing and call history after that
- Browse incognito or in private mode at the internet
- Use a friend phone, work or public library in case you need it
Last Word of Hope
Nobody is supposed to live in fear. When you are suffering relationship violence in the U.S., confidential assistance is as little as a phone call or a text message away. Hotlines offer a non-judgemental listening environment whether you are ready to get help or simply want someone to talk to.
Dial 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), text S.T.A.R.T. to 88788 or go to thehotline.org. You are not the first and you are not the last- you can get help 24/7.
